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Tunes for Northumbrian Smallpipes

The following tunes and other compositions were written for Northumbrian smallpipes, specifically the set that I own and play. Many of the tunes are playable on pipes with more common key arrangements, so I’ve made them available here. Some of the “Northumbrian piper’s” versions have been altered slightly to make them even more playable on pipes with more common key arrangements.

Note to non-pipers: Northumbrian smallpipes come with differing numbers of keys, with 7 being something of a standard and giving a nominal range from d’-b”. The pdfs of selected tunes are available in two editions, one with everything notated at concert pitch (this will be most convenient to players of other instruments, such as fiddle, concertina, etc.) and the other notated in the keys most accessible to Northumbrian pipers. The “concert pitch” versions are the original versions of the tunes.

Selected tunes from the CD Big Music for Northumbrian Smallpipes; includes:

Ensemble Compositions with Northumbrian Smallpipes

MacKenzie’s Misfortune, from the CD Piper’s Crow

From a review by Peter Dyson: “The slow air Mackenzie's Misfortune, from Dick Hensold is destined to become a classic. It is a gorgeous tune with some unusual progressions, and it stays in the memory a long time after the CD has finished playing."

Suggested Donation: $5.00

First Leaves of Spring, from the CD Big Music for Northumbrian Smallpipes

A slow air for Northumbrian smallpipes (D set), whistle, violin and either guitar or harp ad lib. This was written so that each player leads the rhythm in different places, each listening and weaving around the others. Has high Cs, but can be adapted for 7-key chanter.

Suggested Donation: $5.00

Lance Robson's Jig, from the CD Big Music for Northumbrian Smallpipes

A 6-minute jig ending in a 4-voice fugue, for Northumbrian smallpipes (D or G set), flute, violin, viola, cello and guitar. The version for D set requires high C, both F naturals, and a middle Bb, and the version for G set requires both F naturals, low G#, and middle Bb.

Suggested Donation: $5.00

Zoë Cansdale of Hartburn, from the CD Big Music for Northumbrian Smallpipes

A memorial piece that begins with a slow O’Carolan-style tune, which bridges into a highly-orchestrated slip jig. Scored for Northumbrian smallpipes (D set, will fit on a 7-key chanter but has optional high Cs), flute, violin, viola, cello and guitar, with optional harp ad lib.

Suggested Donation: $2.00

Cahan O’Hara Rondeau

Written as an experiment to see how far one could modulate with fixed-pitch drones. Scored for Northumbrian smallpipes (D set), whistle or flute, violin and either guitar or harp ad lib, with optional cello. Also playable as a Northumbrian smallpipes solo with or without chordal accompaniment.

Suggested Donation: $5.00

7 duets of Scottish and Northumbrian tunes; includes:

This set of arrangements comes in two editions: for Northumbrian smallpipes (D set) and Scottish smallpipes in A, and one for any two concert pitch instruments. Many of the latter will work on two equal Northumbrian smallpipes.

Suggested Donation: $4.00

Ivory and Dan

Written for Northumbrian smallpipes and piano for the wedding of some friends, the sheet music to this waltz contains versions for both F and D sets of Northumbrian smallpipes, and a concert pitch version for any C instrument, such as violin or flute.

Highland Pipe tunes, opus 1, 6 jigs

Suggested Donation: $3.00

Highland Pipe tunes, opus 1, 4 reels and a 3/4 hornpipe

Suggested Donation: $2.00

Other Compositions

Dream at Dawn

An air for low whistle, obbligato cello and guitar or other chord instrument. First recorded by Troy MacGillivray in 2006. This sound sample is of the Misguided Fools, a trio with Dick Hensold, Michelle Kinney and Chris Cunningham.

Suggested Donation: $2.00

Tom’s 57 notes

Written in response to a request for "something with 57 in it" for a 57th birthday party, it seemed logical enough to make up a tune with 57 notes. This piece is formatted to fit in a birthday card. Originally for viola, it appears here in treble clef for any instrument.